Two charged with animal cruelty

Published: Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 08:47 PM.

FREEPORT - Two people have been charged with abusing 11 animals, according to the Walton County Sheriff's Office.

On March 3, deputies went to a home on Four Mile Road on an unrelated matter and saw six sick-looking horses, a Sheriff's Office news release said.

The deputies returned March 4 with a veterinarian and animal control officers, the release reported. Four of the horses were taken to Alaqua Animal Refuge.

On March 7, authorities took the last two horses and a piglet to the refuge. Four puppies also were taken to the Walton County Animal Shelter for treatment.

Crystal Sue Esquibel, 27, and James Richard Holzapfel III, 37, both of Freeport, were arrested the same day charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty, They were taken to Walton County Jail on bonds of $55,000.

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FREEPORT - Two people have been charged with abusing 11 animals, according to the Walton County Sheriff's Office.

On March 3, deputies went to a home on Four Mile Road on an unrelated matter and saw six sick-looking horses, a Sheriff's Office news release said.

The deputies returned March 4 with a veterinarian and animal control officers, the release reported. Four of the horses were taken to Alaqua Animal Refuge.

On March 7, authorities took the last two horses and a piglet to the refuge. Four puppies also were taken to the Walton County Animal Shelter for treatment.

Crystal Sue Esquibel, 27, and James Richard Holzapfel III, 37, both of Freeport, were arrested the same day charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty, They were taken to Walton County Jail on bonds of $55,000.